Fourier transform spectroscopy of the CO-stretching band of O-18 methanol

The high-resolution Fourier transform spectrum of the ν₈ CO-stretching band of CH₃¹⁸OH between 900 and 1100 cm⁻¹ has been recorded at the Canadian Light Source (CLS) synchrotron facility in Saskatoon, and the majority of the torsion-rotation structure has been analyzed. For the ν_t = 0 torsional ground state, subbands have been identified for K values from 0 to 11 for A and E torsional symmetries up to J values typically well over 30. For ν_t = 1, A and E subbands have been assigned up to K = 7, and several ν_t = 2 subbands have also been identified. Upper-state term values determined from the assigned transitions using the Ritz program have been fitted to J(J + 1) power-series expansions to obtain substate origins and sets of state-specific parameters giving a compact representation of the substate J-dependence. The ν_t = 0 subband origins have been fitted to effective molecular constants for the excited CO-stretching state and a torsional barrier of 377.49(32) cm⁻¹ is found, representing a 0.89% increase over the ground-state value. The vibrational energy for the CO-stretch state was found to be 1007.49(7) cm⁻¹. A number of subband-wide and J-localized perturbations have been seen in the spectrum, arising both from anharmonic and Coriolis interactions, and several of the interacting states have been identified.     

The ground state torsion-rotation spectrum of propargyl alcohol (HCCCH2OH)

The rotation-torsion spectrum of the asymmetric frame-asymmetric top internal rotor propargyl alcohol (HCCCH₂OH) has been extended into the millimeter and submillimeter wave spectral regions. Over 2000 ground torsional state transitions have been measured and analyzed up to rotational quantum numbers J = 80 and K_a = 33 through a frequency of 633 GHz. The newly measured transitions were added to approximately 200 previously reported and now unambiguously assigned microwave transitions to comprise a data set of 2390 transitions which has been fit to 59 kHz using a reduced axis method (RAM) Hamiltonian. The ground state has been confirmed to consist of a symmetric and an antisymmetric gauche conformer with no spectroscopic evidence of stable trans conformer. A complete set of rotation and distortion constants through 6th order and a number of the 8th and one 10th order constants for the normal species are presented along with those determined from a re-analysis of the existing OD species data. The a and b symmetry Coriolis interaction constants and the gauche+ gauche− tunnelling frequency of 652389.4 MHz has been determined for the OH species while the b symmetry Coriolis interaction and the 213 480 MHz tunnelling frequency were determined for the OD species.     

Analysis of the rotational spectrum of pyruvonitrile up to 324 GHz

The room-temperature rotational spectrum of pyruvonitrile (acetyl cyanide, CH₃COCN) was measured up to 324 GHz, and additional measurements were also made in supersonic expansion in the region 7-19 GHz. The available data sets for the A and E torsional sublevels were extended to over 1200 transitions, J = 65 and K_a = 38 for the ground vibrational state, and to comparable numbers of transitions for first excited states of the methyl torsional mode ν₁₈, and the in-plane CCN bending mode ν₁₂. The collected experimental measurements were fitted with several different computer programs for dealing with the effects of methyl torsional motion on the rotational spectrum and many spectroscopic constants have been determined. The experimental results are discussed in detail and are augmented by ab initio computations. Stark effect measurements in supersonic expansion were used to precisely determine the electric dipole moment of pyruvonitrile, ∣μ_a∣ = 2.462(2) D, ∣μ_b∣ = 2.442(2) D, μ_tot = 3.468(2) D. Pyruvonitrile, as an 8-atom molecule with a sizable dipole moment, is a possible candidate for astrophysical detection and the present work provides the laboratory data necessary for that purpose.     

Rovibrational spectrum and potential energy surface of the N2-N2O van der Waals complex

The rovibrational spectrum of the N₂-N₂O van der Waals complex has been recorded in the N₂O ν₁ region (∼1285 cm⁻¹) using a tunable diode laser spectrometer to probe a pulsed supersonic slit jet. The observed transitions together with the data observed previously in the N₂O ν₃ region are analyzed using a Watson S-reduced asymmetric rotor Hamiltonian. The rotational and centrifugal distortion constants for the ground and excited vibrational states are accurately determined. The band-origin of the spectrum is determined to be 1285.73964(14) cm⁻¹. A restricted two-dimensional intermolecular potential energy surface for a planar structure of N₂-N₂O has been calculated at the CCSD(T) level of theory with the aug-cc-pVDZ basis sets and a set of mid-bond functions. With the intermolecular distance fixed at the ground state value R = 3.6926 Å, the potential has a global minimum with a well depth of 326.64 cm⁻¹ at θ_N2 = 11.0° and θ_N2O = 84.3° and has a saddle point with a barrier height of 204.61 cm⁻¹ at θ_N2 = 97.4° and θ_N2O = 92.2°, where θ_N2(θ_N2O) is the enclosed angle between the N-N axis (N-N-O axis) and the intermolecular axis.     

Ground and first excited torsional states of acetamide

We present a first global study involving rotational levels in the lowest three torsional states of acetamide (CH₃CONH₂). New measurements of this spectrum, consisting of approximately 1600 lines and involving torsion-rotation transitions with J up to 20 and K_a up to 11, have been carried out between 49 and 149 GHz using the millimeter-wave spectrometer in Kharkov. After removing the observed quadrupole hyperfine splittings, the new data were combined with previously published measurements and fitted using a rho-axis-method (RAM) torsion-rotation Hamiltonian in conjunction with a new computer-automated v_t and K labeling algorithm. The final fit used 48 parameters to give an overall weighted standard deviation of 0.72 for 759, 587, and 265 lines belonging, respectively, to the ground, first, and second excited torsional states and 95 lines corresponding to Δv_t=1 transitions falling in the millimeter wave range. Separate root-mean-square (rms) deviations for the A (25 kHz) and E (27 kHz) species, as well as for the v_t=0 state (26 kHz), v_t=1 (25 kHz), v_t=2 (22 kHz), and Δv_t=1 transitions (35 kHz) indicate a similar quality of the fit for the two symmetry species and for the three torsional states. The RAM Hamiltonian was found to have rather good predictive ability when fits of only v_t=0 (or only v_t=0 and 1) transitions were used to calculate v_t=1 (or v_t=2) lines. In addition, the combination of this Hamiltonian and the computer-automated v_t and K labeling algorithm seems to provide a rather powerful tool for the precise assignment and fitting of torsion-rotation transitions in C_3v internal-rotor molecules with low torsional potential barriers.     

The ground and first excited torsional states of methyl carbamate

A global fit within experimental accuracy of microwave and millimeter-wave transitions in the ground and first excited torsional states of methyl carbamate (H₂NC(O)OCH₃) is presented. The data set consisting of 995 v_t = 0 and 731 v_t = 1 transition frequencies combines 1544 new measurements from Kharkov with previously published v_t = 0 microwave lines. In this study the so-called “rho axis method” that treats simultaneously both A and E species of the ground and first excited torsional states is applied to the methyl carbamate data set for the first time. The final fit requires only 32 parameters to achieve a unitless weighted standard deviation for the whole fit of 0.89 for a total of 1726 transitions with rotational quantum numbers up to J ? 20 and K_a ? 10. The barrier to internal rotation of the methyl group obtained in this study, V₃ = 359.141(24) cm⁻¹, is in good agreement with previously published values but more accurate.     

Rotational spectrum and structure of asymmetric dinitrogen trioxide, N2O3

The rotational spectra of the ground vibrational state and the ν₉ = 1 torsional state have been reinvestigated and accurate spectroscopic constants have been determined. The torsional frequency, ν₉ = 70(15) cm⁻¹, has been determined by relative intensity measurements. The assignment of the infrared spectrum has been slightly revised and an accurate harmonic force field has been calculated. The equilibrium structure has been determined using different, complementary methods: experimental, semi-experimental and ab initio, leading to r(NN) = 1.870(2) Å, in particular.     

A new joint analysis of the ground and first excited torsional states of methylformate

A global fit within experimental accuracy of microwave rotational transitions in the ground and first excited torsional states (v_t = 0 and 1) of methylformate (HCOOCH₃) is reported, which combines older measurements from the literature with new measurements from Kharkov. In this study the so-called ‘‘rho axis method’’ that treats simultaneously both A and E species of the ground and first excited torsional states is used. The final fit requires 55 parameters to achieve an overall unitless weighted standard deviation of 0.71 for a total of 10533 transitions (corresponding to 9298 measured lines) with rotational quantum numbers up to J ? 62 and K_a ? 26 in the ground state and J ? 35 and K_a ? 23 in the first excited torsional state. These results represent a significant improvement over past fitting attempts, providing for the first time a fit within experimental accuracy of both ground and first excited torsional states.     

The millimeter-wave spectrum of perdeuterated methanol, CD3OD

In order to provide accurate rest frequencies for astronomical searches, the spectrum of perdeuterated methanol, CD₃OD, has been measured in the frequency range 62-233 GHz. A total of 379 lines was measured from rotational states up to J=20 and K=10 within the ground and first excited torsional states (v_t=0 and 1). Using a one-dimensional torsion-rotation Hamiltonian, the lines were fitted to measurement accuracy (<30 kHz).     

High-resolution FTIR spectroscopy of the 3ν2 band of PH3

High-resolution Fourier transform spectrum of phosphine (PH₃) at room temperature has been recorded in the region of the 3ν₂ band (2730-3100 cm⁻¹) at an apodized resolution of 0.005 cm⁻¹. About 200 vibration-rotation transitions have been least squares fitted with an rms of 0.00039 cm⁻¹ after taking into account the ΔK = ±3 interaction.     

Assignment, fit, and theoretical discussion of the ν10 band of acetaldehyde near 509 cm

The lowest small-amplitude vibration in acetaldehyde (CH₃CHO) is the in-plane aldehyde scissors mode ν₁₀ at 509 cm⁻¹. This mode lies about 175 cm⁻¹ above the top of the barrier to internal rotation of the methyl group and is relatively well separated from other small-amplitude vibrational states (the next fundamental occurring more than 250 cm⁻¹ higher). It thus provides an excellent example of an isolated small-amplitude fundamental (bright state) embedded in a bath of dark states. Since the bath states at these energies are not too dense, and since they arise purely from states of the large-amplitude torsional vibration of the methyl rotor, a detailed spectroscopic analysis of interactions between the bright state and the bath states should be possible. This paper represents the first step toward that goal. We have assigned several thousand transitions in the ν₁₀ band (J ? 28, K ? 12), and have carried out a simultaneous fit of 2400 of these transitions (J ? 15, K ? 9) with over 8100 transitions to the torsional bath state levels. Three vibration-torsion interactions, which give rise to rather global level shifts of the order of 1 cm⁻¹ in the ν₁₀ levels, have been identified and quantitatively fit. A number of vibration-torsion-rotation interactions, which give rise to localized (avoided-crossing) shifts in ν₁₀ have also been determined. The present analysis indicates the need for reliable spectroscopic information on more of the torsional bath states in the immediate vicinity of the ν₁₀ levels. Possible ways of obtaining such information in future studies are considered.     

The lowest frequency vibrational fundamental of disilane: A three-band analysis

The lowest frequency perpendicular fundamental band ν₉ of disilane has been analyzed to investigate torsion mediated vibrational interactions. We report here a three-band analysis involving torsional levels built on the ground state, the ν₉ vibrational fundamental, and ν₃ fundamental. This analysis includes transitions from the far-infrared torsional bands, ν₄, 2ν₄ − ν₄, 3ν₄ − 2ν₄, two perturbation-allowed rotational series from the overtone band 3ν₄ and transitions restricted to −21 ? kΔk ? 21 in the ν₉ fundamental band. An excellent fit to the included data was obtained. Two interactions are identified in this fit, a resonant Coriolis interaction between the ν₉ torsional stack and that of the ground vibrational state and a Fermi interaction between the ν₃ fundamental and the gs. The introduction of the Fermi interaction causes a large change in the barrier height for the ground vibrational state and makes the barrier shape parameter redundant, indicating that the vibrational contributions to the experimental barrier shape are dominant. Such effects have also been observed for ethane and other similar molecules.     

Measurements and theoretical calculations of self-broadening and self-shift coefficients in the ν2 band of CH3D

In this paper, we report measured Lorentz self-broadening and self-induced pressure-shift coefficients of ¹²CH₃D in the ν₂ fundamental band (ν₀ ≈ 2200 cm⁻¹). The multispectrum fitting technique allowed us to analyze simultaneously seven self-broadened absorption spectra. All spectra were recorded at the McMath-Pierce Fourier transform spectrometer of the National Solar Observatory (NSO) on Kitt Peak, AZ with an unapodized resolution of 0.0056 cm⁻¹. Low-pressure (0.98-2.95 Torr) as well as high-pressure (17.5-303 Torr) spectra of ¹²C-enriched CH₃D were recorded at room temperature to determine the pressure-broadening coefficients of 408 ν₂ transitions with quantum numbers as high as J″ = 21 and K = 18, where K″ = K′ ≡ K (for a parallel band). The measured self-broadening coefficients range from 0.0349 to 0.0896 cm⁻¹ atm⁻¹ at 296 K. All the measured pressure-shifts are negative. The reported pressure-induced self-shift coefficients vary from about −0.004 to −0.008 cm⁻¹ atm⁻¹. We have examined the dependence of the measured broadening and shift parameters on the J″, and K quantum numbers and also developed empirical expressions to describe the broadening coefficients in terms of m (m = −J″, J″, and J″ + 1 in the ^QP-, ^QQ-, and ^QR-branch, respectively) and K. On average, the empirical expressions reproduce the measured broadening coefficients to within 3.6%. A semiclassical theory based upon the Robert-Bonamy formalism of interacting linear molecules has been used to calculate these self-broadening and self-induced pressure-shift coefficients. In addition to the electrostatic interactions involving the octopole and hexadecapole moments of CH₃D, the intermolecular potential includes also an atom-atom Lennard-Jones model. For low K (K ? 3) with |m| ? 8 the theoretical results of the broadening coefficients are in overall good agreement (3.0%) with the experimental data. For transitions with K approaching |m|, they are generally significantly underestimated (8.8%). The theoretical self-induced pressure shifts, whose vibrational contribution is derived from results in the ^QQ-branch, are generally smaller in magnitude than the experimental data in the ^QP-, and ^QR-branches (15.2%).     

Measurements and theoretical calculations of N2-broadening and N2-shift coefficients in the ν2 band of CH3D

In this paper, we report measured Lorentz N₂-broadening and N₂-induced pressure-shift coefficients of CH₃D in the ν₂ fundamental band using a multispectrum fitting technique. These measurements were made by analyzing 11 laboratory absorption spectra recorded at 0.0056 cm⁻¹ resolution using the McMath-Pierce Fourier transform spectrometer located at the National Solar Observatory on Kitt Peak, Arizona. The spectra were obtained using two absorption cells with path lengths of 10.2 and 25 cm. The total sample pressures ranged from 0.98 to 402.25 Torr with CH₃D volume mixing ratios of 0.01 in nitrogen. We have been able to determine the N₂ pressure-broadening coefficients of 368 ν₂ transitions with quantum numbers as high as J″ = 20 and K = 16, where K″ = K′ ≡ K (for a parallel band). The measured N₂-broadening coefficients range from 0.0248 to 0.0742 cm⁻¹ atm⁻¹ at 296 K. All the measured pressure-shifts are negative. The reported N₂-induced pressure-shift coefficients vary from about −0.0003 to −0.0094 cm⁻¹ atm⁻¹. We have examined the dependence of the measured broadening and shift parameters on the J″, and K quantum numbers and also developed empirical expressions to describe the broadening coefficients in terms of m (m = −J″, J″, and J″ + 1 in the ^QP-, ^QQ-, and ^QR-branch, respectively) and K. On average, the empirical expressions reproduce the measured broadening coefficients to within 4.7%. The N₂-broadening and pressure-shift coefficients were calculated on the basis of a semiclassical model of interacting linear molecules performed by considering in addition to the electrostatic contributions the atom-atom Lennard-Jones potential. The theoretical results of the broadening coefficients are in good overall agreement with the experimental data (8.7%). The N₂-pressure shifts whose vibrational contribution is derived from parameters fitted in the ^QQ-branch of self-induced shifts of CH₃D, are also in reasonable agreement with the scattered experimental data (20% in most cases).     

Room-temperature broadening and pressure-shift coefficients in the ν2 band of CH3D-O2: Measurements and semi-classical calculations

We report measured Lorentz O₂-broadening and O₂-induced pressure-shift coefficients of CH₃D in the ν₂ fundamental band. Using a multispectrum fitting technique we have analyzed 11 laboratory absorption spectra recorded at 0.011 cm⁻¹ resolution using the McMath-Pierce Fourier transform spectrometer, Kitt Peak, Arizona. Two absorption cells with path lengths of 10.2 and 25 cm were used to record the spectra. The total sample pressures ranged from 0.98 to 339.85 Torr with CH₃D volume mixing ratios of 0.012 in oxygen. We report measurements for O₂ pressure-broadening coefficients of 320 ν₂ transitions with quantum numbers as high as J″ = 17 and K = 14, where K″ = K′ ≡ K (for a parallel band). The measured O₂-broadening coefficients range from 0.0153 to 0.0645 cm⁻¹ atm⁻¹ at 296 K. All the measured pressure-shifts are negative. The reported O₂-induced pressure-shift coefficients vary from about −0.0017 to −0.0068 cm⁻¹ atm⁻¹. We have examined the dependence of the measured broadening and shift parameters on the J″, and K quantum numbers and also developed empirical expressions to describe the broadening coefficients in terms of m (m = −J″, J″, and J″ + 1 in the ^QP-, ^QQ-, and ^QR-branch, respectively) and K. On average, the empirical expressions reproduce the measured broadening coefficients to within 4.4%. The O₂-broadening and pressure shift coefficients were calculated on the basis of a semiclassical model of interacting linear molecules performed by considering in addition to the electrostatic contributions the atom-atom Lennard-Jones potential. The theoretical results of the broadening coefficients are generally larger than the experimental data. Using for the trajectory model an isotropic Lennard-Jones potential derived from molecular parameters instead of the spherical average of the atom-atom model, a better agreement is obtained with these data, especially for |m| ? 12 values (11.3% for the first calculation and 8.1% for the second calculation). The O₂-pressure shifts whose vibrational contribution are either derived from parameters fitted in the ^QQ-branch of self-induced shifts of CH₃D or those obtained from pressure shifts induced by Xe in the ν₃ band of CH₃D are in reasonable agreement with the scattered experimental data (17.0% for the first calculation and 18.7% for the second calculation).     

High resolution infrared spectrum and global analysis of ν5, ν12, and ν12 + ν6 − ν6 in CH3SiH3

The vibration-torsion-rotation spectrum of CH₃SiH₃ has been measured from 470 to 725 cm⁻¹ at near-Doppler resolution. The full-width at half - maximum of the lines observed near 600 cm⁻¹ was 0.0011 cm⁻¹. The spectra were obtained using a Bruker IFS 125 HR Fourier transform spectrometer with the broadband source radiation being supplied from the synchrotron emission of the storage ring at the Canadian Light Source. Three vibrational bands were investigated: the lowest lying perpendicular fundamental ν₁₂ centred near 524 cm⁻¹, the lowest lying parallel fundamental ν₅ near 703 cm⁻¹, and the torsional hot band ν₁₂ + ν₆ − ν₆ near 534 cm⁻¹. For ν₁₂ and ν₅, the resolution and sensitivity are much improved over those in earlier studies, with many of the torsional multiplets now being resolved even in the cases where the upper levels are unperturbed. The primary motivation for the present work was the hot band, here reported for the first time, where the dependence of the silyl rock in ν₁₂ on the torsional motion is much more pronounced. In addition, for the vibrational ground state (gs), two “forbidden” high torsional overtones v₆ = 3 ← 0 and 5 ← 0 have been observed that become allowed through resonant mixing of the upper states with ν₁₂ and ν₅, respectively. In each case, two (K, σ) series have been measured where the mixing is largest. Here σ = 0, 1, −1 labels the torsional sub-levels. Using the Fourier transform waveguide spectrometer at E. T. H., the three σ-components of the (J = 1 ← 0) transition in ν₁₂ + ν₆ were observed, and a series of direct l-doubling transitions in ν₁₂ + ν₆ were measured for σ = 0. In a global fit, all the new data have been analysed along with the frequencies for other transitions obtained in earlier investigations. The analysis takes into account the relevant interactions among the torsional stacks of levels in the gs, ν₁₂, and ν₅. These include the previously known (gs, ν₁₂) Coriolis-like and (gs, ν₅) Fermi-like interactions along with a higher order (ν₁₂, ν₅) Coriolis-like coupling introduced here. This last is responsible for the strong perturbation of the ν₅ series with K = 10, 11, and 12, and of the corresponding hot band series. A good fit to 9282 frequencies including 7942 new measurements was obtained both with the Free Rotor model in which the torsion is classified as a rotation, and with the High Barrier model in which the torsion is classified as a vibration. The Hamiltonian is discussed with emphasis on the new terms required for treating ν₁₂ + ν₆ − ν₆.     

High-resolution Fourier transform spectrum of H2S in the region of 8500-8900 cm

High-resolution Fourier transform infrared spectrum of H₂S was recorded and analyzed in the region of the polyad. More than 450 transitions were assigned to the 3ν₁ + ν₂ and 2ν₁ + ν₂ + ν₃ bands with the maximum values of quantum numbers J and K_a equal to 14, 7, and 14, 9 for these two bands, respectively. The theoretical analysis was fulfilled with the Hamiltonian which takes into account strong resonance interactions among the studied vibrational states (3 1 0), (2 1 1), and also “dark” states (0 3 2) and (2 3 0). The rms deviation is 0.0019 cm⁻¹. The intensity borrowing effect in the doublets in the P-branch transitions of the 3ν₁ + ν₂ and 2ν₁ + ν₂ + ν₃ bands is observed and discussed.     

Formation of Sim and SimCn clusters by C60 sputtering of Si

The secondary ion mass spectrum of silicon sputtered by high energy C₆₀⁺ ions in sputter equilibrium is found to be dominated by Si clusters and we report the relative yields of Si_m⁺ (1 ≤ m ≤ 15) and various Si_mC_n⁺ clusters (1 ≤ m ≤ 11 for n = 1; 1 ≤ m ≤ 6 for n = 2; 1 ≤ m ≤ 4 for n = 3). The yields of Si_m⁺ clusters up to Si₇⁺ are significant (between 0.1 and 0.6 of the Si⁺ yield) with even numbered clusters Si₄⁺ and Si₆⁺ having the highest probability of formation. The abundances of cluster ions between Si₈⁺ and Si₁₁⁺ are still significant (>1% relative to Si⁺) but drop by a factor of ∼100 between Si₁₁⁺ and Si₁₃⁺. The probability of formation of clusters Si₁₃⁺-Si₁₅⁺ is approximately constant at ∼5 × 10⁻⁴ relative to Si⁺ and rising a little for Si₁₅⁺, but clusters beyond Si₁₅ are not detected (Si_m≥16⁺/Si⁺ < 1 × 10⁻⁴). The probability of formation of Si_m⁺ and Si_mC_n⁺ clusters depends only very weakly on the C₆₀⁺ primary ion energy between 13.5 keV and 37.5 keV. The behaviour of Si_m⁺ and Si_mC_n⁺ cluster ions was also investigated for impacts onto a fresh Si surface to study the effects that saturation of the surface with C₆₀⁺ in reaching sputter equilibrium may have had on the measured abundances. By comparison, there are very minor amounts of pure Si_m⁺ clusters produced during C₆₀⁺ sputtering of silica (SiO₂) and various silicate minerals. The abundances for clusters heavier than Si₂⁺ are very small compared to the case where Si is the target.The data reported here suggest that Si_m⁺ and Si_mC_n⁺ cluster abundances may be consistent in a qualitative way with theoretical modelling by others which predicts each carbon atom to bind with 3-4 Si atoms in the sample. This experimental data may now be used to improve theoretical modelling.     

Line-mixing between rotational Stark components of CH3F self-perturbed and perturbed by helium: Experimental results and IOS analysis

Self- and He-broadening coefficients of microwave transitions of CH₃F have been measured with and without the presence of an external electric field. This provides values for the J, K → J + 1, K (K = 0 − J) transitions for J = 1 and J = 3 as well as for the various J, K, M → J + 1, K, M′ (|M| = 0 − K, |M - M′| = 0, 1) Stark components. The results and those of a previous experimental study for pure CH₃F, which show significant line-mixing effects, are analyzed with a model based on the Infinite Order Sudden approximation. It is shown that the latter leads to very satisfactory modeling of observed values even though no parameter was adjusted since previously and independently determined basic cross-sections are used. The quality of the present predictions is comparable with that obtained previously with a semi-classical approach. Furthermore, it is shown that the previously stated inaccuracy of the IOS model was due to an oversimplified use of this approach.     

Microwave spectroscopy of furfural in vibrationally excited states

The results of microwave spectrum investigation of the excited vibrational states of furfural in the frequency range between 49 and 149 GHz are reported. In total 15 excited vibrational states (9 for trans-furfural and 6 for cis-furfural) were assigned and analyzed. Six of the 15 investigated states were assigned for the first time. Accurate values of rigid rotor and quartic centrifugal distortion constants of asymmetric top Hamiltonian have been determined for 13 excited states. Also for some states several sextic and octic level constants were needed in order to fit the data within experimental accuracy. The v_t = 3 and v_s = 1, v_a = 1 states of trans-furfural were found to be strongly perturbed and only rotational transitions with low K_a values can be reliably identified in this study.